I’m the biggest fan of a day spent in my pyjamas. Feet up on the sofa, laptop on my… lap. Cups of tea, television and comfort food. Chatting with my friend and colleague Lex, we realised (and I’m almost ashamed to say) that I have lived next door to Epping Forest for the last 7 years and have never been. So we put a date in the diary to go explore.
Now I kid you not, on the morning, I kinda hoped Lex would bail on me so I had an excuse not to get dressed. But Lex isn’t that kinda friend so before I knew it, I was running to catch a bus to Loughton station to meet her. I was so intrigued; as far as I was concerned the station was the door to the high street full of coffee shops, a couple bars and the supermarkets. But just off one road… up a hill… some chatting…
In the few hours that we were out, I learnt so much more about the great outdoors! I spotted crab apples, ate wild blackberries, sucked nettle nectar, foraged for eating apples (took a stash home), kicked leaves, threw leaves, sang songs…
When we started out, it was unusually warm although very windy. Then, how embarrassing when I sync my fitness tracker and it basically says “CONGRATS!! THIS IS YOUR MOST ACTIVE SUNDAY EVER!!!” …hahahaha! I have plans to go back (mainly to cut some holly for Christmas!) and to enjoy all the fresh air, grass & mud on my own doorstep!
To INSPIRE YOU to get active as the days get shorter and colder, Ordnance Survey (OS) Maps have given me a 12 month subscription to giveaway to one lucky person as part of my weekly advent feature in the lead up to Christmas! …I know …THIS (below) is how happy I am!
[CLOSED] Entries are via the rafflecopter widget below! I can’t wait to discover some of your favourite places to explore on foot (be it running or walking) or on your bike!
BEST OF LUCK!
See you on the trails!Ā
Elle šĀ
It's got to be somewhere in Scotland, either just south of Edinburgh in the Pentland Hills or further north around Glencoe.
*adds to list of places I must visit* only been to scotland the once so it's defo somewhere I need to visit again and explore more š
Living in Cumbria just about anywhere in life the countryside!
Well the rest of us are not jealous one bit! haha! ..I honestly can't complain though… with Epping Forest on my doorstep! Will give the lake district a visit real soon though š
you had never been to Epping Forest, even though you practically live seconds from the woodland?! Even I've been ( albeit on a school trip) and you know I'm a bit of an urban fox lol!Glad to read about your adventure through the Forest; a great opportunity to pick up some free Christmas decorations for the house…..oooo how about a DIY Xmas wreath?? #justsayingwww.lifeofchi.co.uk
I know, I know *hangs head in shame* lol BUT YES! I would've gone home with a huge bag of holly had I been prepared; its soooooo tough, you can't break it off with your hands so will duo have to go back with some scissors and a big bag! Maybe I should arrange a DIY Xmas eve forage and tea?! xoxo
Love the photo of you throwing the leaves š I have no idea what crab apples are so I feel like I need to go outdoors more.. Laura @ Whatās Hot?
haha! I had no idea either before this weekend! Honestly learnt so much!! x
My favourite running route is the Glasgow clydeside and my favorite hike is currently Ben Lui (but its usually the Ben Vorlich/Stuc a Chroin loop!)Great giveaway!PS: Can't believe I wasn't insta following you until now?
There are so many social platforms now it's hard to tell who follows who and where! lol …followed you back though š …I need to get to Scotland again! Went up to Edb for like 23 hours earlier this year! lol …will add these to my list of places to visit so thank you for sharing x